Quite a show

Our various Residents Association committees arrange for a lot of performers. Denison faculty speakers often come to Kendal. One of the best we have had took place Sunday in front of a good sized and enthusiastic audience. Stafford Berry , Jr and his accompanist, Terence Karn brought a company of Denison students to perform African Dance. Berry is a visiting professor at Denison. We also occasionally get speakers from Kenyon and Ohio State. As we have retirees from all three as residents, we have the necessary contacts.

This performance took place in the Heller room. Karn played, and explained, several drums. Berry got the audience involved, teaching us some native words and phrases. Although no resident actually danced, we did do movements and replied in the words he taught us.

The students were wonderful. There were about 8 dancers, only one a man. They came in costume and sang and danced. The dances were incredibly acrobatic. Although only two students were of African ancestry, they entered into the dance with obvious joy and enthusiasm. It was easy to see why Berry, although a native of Pennsylvania rather than Africa, is able to so inspire students.

It was a terrific afternoon for which we thank the Kendal Diversity Committee and Denison University,